While location services on your smartphone are a given in modern society, turning them on means Google can pretty accurately find out where you are, and what you do. For example, Google Play passes on your whereabouts to installed apps via an API, whether Maps are installed or not.

For Android users, Google used this information to introduce a feature called Nearby, "which notifies you of things that can be helpful near you", according to Google.

"The Play Store offers over one million apps - many of which are created to be used in specific locations or situations. The right app at the right moment lets you get more done."

But Google makes it particularly difficult to switch these features off.

Here's how to get out of it.

Deleting or uninstalling the apps are helpful, or you could turn your phone's location services on and off as you use each app. But this is irritating and time consuming.

ANDROID

Tapping on 'Your Timeline', Google will ask you to turn on your Location history. This allows you to rediscover places you've visited in the past. But it also allows Google to create a complex profile of your personality.

Here's how to stop Google Maps tracking you:

• Select 'Your Timeline' in Settings

• Tap the Burger Icon (the three dots on the top right-hand side of the screen) and select 'Settings'

• Scroll down to Location Settings

• Tap "Location History is on".

• A pop-up window will appear; tap the checkmark next to "On". Swiping to the left should turn it off.

• Tap "OK" on the window that appears.

- You can also turn location off and delete location history in the same settings. Google will issue a warning that says your services might be affected - but let's be real, you'll be fine.

(L)Swipe left to turn your location services off in Settings.Source:Supplied (R) Google will send you this notification if you decide to turn of Location History on Android.Source:Supplied

APPLE IOS

The 'Your Timeline' feature doesn't exist for Apple users, as they do Android. But there are ways to opt out.

• Make sure you're signed in and go to your Settings

• Scroll down to Settings

• Tap 'Location History' and slide it off

• To erase your history, scroll down the Settings menu to 'Maps History'.

• There is currently not an option to delete everything at once, but you can tap the 'X' next to the locations you want to delete.

• You can also turn off 'Location Data Collection' by tapping 'About, terms and privacy' under Settings

- There is a sneaky way to allow Google to track your location while only using the App.

While location services on your smartphone are a given in modern society, turning them on means Google can pretty accurately find out where you are, and what you do. For example, Google Play passes on your whereabouts to installed apps via an API, whether Maps are installed or not.

For Android users, Google used this information to introduce a feature called Nearby, "which notifies you of things that can be helpful near you", according to Google.

"The Play Store offers over one million apps - many of which are created to be used in specific locations or situations. The right app at the right moment lets you get more done."

But Google makes it particularly difficult to switch these features off.

Here's how to get out of it.

Deleting or uninstalling the apps are helpful, or you could turn your phone's location services on and off as you use each app. But this is irritating and time consuming.

ANDROID

Tapping on 'Your Timeline', Google will ask you to turn on your Location history. This allows you to rediscover places you've visited in the past. But it also allows Google to create a complex profile of your personality.

Here's how to stop Google Maps tracking you:

• Select 'Your Timeline' in Settings

• Tap the Burger Icon (the three dots on the top right-hand side of the screen) and select 'Settings'

• Scroll down to Location Settings

• Tap "Location History is on".

• A pop-up window will appear; tap the checkmark next to "On". Swiping to the left should turn it off.

• Tap "OK" on the window that appears.

- You can also turn location off and delete location history in the same settings. Google will issue a warning that says your services might be affected - but let's be real, you'll be fine.